One of the long-term projects I have been working on the past year or so is my own Tarot deck, a version of the Tarot that is cross-cultural and represents the the indigenous shamanic cosmology inherent in all spiritual modalities. For those that are not familiar, the Tarot is an occult tool-set in the form of playing cards that is used for divination and/or mapping states of consciousness on the mental and spiritual planes of existence.
The Tarot is normally broken down into two distinct parts: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.
I have considered calling my Tarot deck, Simulacra, to denote the use of imagery of symbols as metaphor for what lies behind the veil of reality. Just an idea.
So, I have been working on ideas specifically for the Major Arcana, trying to find deities and likenesses from all cultures and traditions that would fit into these symbols, as well as integrating into my own personal worldview. The Major Arcana cards are as follows (from Wikipedia):
The Tarot is normally broken down into two distinct parts: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.
- Major Arcana: consists of 22 cards, the trump suit. Heavy with symbolism, the Major Arcana usually deal with matters of higher purpose. Altogether, in sequence these cards tell the great soul journey of humankind from beginning to end (or rather, infinity).
- Minor Arcana: consists of 56 cards, divided into 4 suits of 14 cards each. Each suit depicts a symbol relating to the elements of nature as well as the worldly attributes of humankind: pentacles (Earth), cups (Water), swords (Air), wands (Fire).
I have considered calling my Tarot deck, Simulacra, to denote the use of imagery of symbols as metaphor for what lies behind the veil of reality. Just an idea.
So, I have been working on ideas specifically for the Major Arcana, trying to find deities and likenesses from all cultures and traditions that would fit into these symbols, as well as integrating into my own personal worldview. The Major Arcana cards are as follows (from Wikipedia):
| Number | Name |
|---|---|
| None (0 or 22) | The Fool |
| 1 | The Magician |
| 2 | The High Priestess |
| 3 | The Empress |
| 4 | The Emperor |
| 5 | The Hierophant |
| 6 | The Lovers |
| 7 | The Chariot |
| 8 or 11 | Strength |
| 9 | The Hermit |
| 10 | Wheel of Fortune |
| 11 or 8 | Justice |
| 12 | The Hanged Man |
| 13 | Death |
| 14 | Temperance |
| 15 | The Devil |
| 16 | The Tower |
| 17 | The Star |
| 18 | The Moon |
| 19 | The Sun |
| 20 | Judgement |
| 21 | The World |
The first idea I have been working on is for 17 - The Star. The concept I have for this card is the Andean concept of istrilla, or estrella, which is the Spanish word for "star." According to shamanic practitioner Matthew Magee, an estrella is "the spirit manifestation of an Apu [mountain lord], also commonly called a star guide. Many curanderos have been called to the sacred path by receiving an estrella, that is, when he or she is summoned by an outward manifestation of an Apu." (Magee, Peruvian Shamanism, p. 38) I received an estrella myself while initiated into my path in apprenticeship into the mesa, the lineage of Peruvian shamanism using an altar with sacred objects (artes). So, I thought it fitting that if I were going to use anything for The Star card, it would be Estrella.
Here is an initial image idea for the card. Enjoy:
Here is an initial image idea for the card. Enjoy:
